Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission ratifies agreement
On Monday, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) voted to ratify an agreement with plaintiffs’ attorneys to allow the AMCC to move forward with presentations from cannabis applicants as part of its new timeline to make license awards in December. Attorney Mark Wilkerson is representing the AMCC. Wilkerson said that after a day of court-ordered mediation, he and AMCC staff have reached a settlement with most of the plaintiffs to allow the AMCC to proceed with new license awards if the commission votes to ratify the agreement. Two major sticking points were addressed in the recent closed-door negotiations between all the attorneys. The first issue was the ten-megabyte limit on marijuana application size. The AMCC provided flexibility to help applicants work around the limit – but that information was not distributed, so some applicants submitted applications that were far smaller than what they would have preferred – or did not apply at all because they could not figure out how to downsize their application to ten megabytes without leaving out vital information. In the agreement, there is no limit on the application sizes, and applicants were allowed to submit material initially left out of their applications. The second sticking point was the scoring. The independent application evaluators hired by the University of South Alabama graded the applications, assigning them a numerical score and ranking them from first to worst based on that scoring. In the settlement, commissioners cannot consider any South Alabama scores when they make their awards. Any of the lawsuits over the scoring or the file size limit were dismissed with prejudice by the court in exchange for agreeing to those two final points. The Commission voted unanimously to ratify the agreement, meaning that the restraining order was lifted by the court. The Commission then began hearing presentations from applicants seeking cultivator licenses and the applicants seeking the marijuana testing laboratory license. Chey Garrigan is the founder and President of the Alabama Cannabis Industry Association (ACIA). “We are happy that the Commission ratified the settlement,” said Garrigan. “This was the only way that we could move forward with issuing the licenses.” “We were pleased with all of the presentations and look forward to working with all of the licensees in the future,” Garrigan added. The Commission willreturnk Tuesday to hear presentations from the secure transporter and processor applicants. On Wednesday, the Commission will listen to presentations from the dispensary Applicants. The Commission is expected to meet on December 1 to make those awards. Next week, the Commission will meet to consider applications from the thirty applicants vying for the integrated facility license. The integrator license allows a business entity to grow, process, transport, and dispense medical cannabis. The Commission can give a maximum of five integrated licenses – thirty applications for vertically integrated licenses were turned in. The Commission will meet on December 12 to award licenses to the integrators. AMCC Executive Director John McMillan has said he hopes that Alabamians will be able to purchase Alabama-grown medical cannabis products as early as March. All of the awards made by the AMCC in the June and August meetings have already been rescinded as part of the negotiations to end the litigation. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Medical marijuana hearings to start Monday
On Monday, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) is expected to vote to ratify an agreement with plaintiffs’ attorneys to allow the AMCC to move forward with its timeline to make new cannabis license awards in December. Chey Garrigan is the founder and President of the Alabama Cannabis Industry Association (ACIA). “We are excited about the news that a settlement may have been reached in the ongoing litigation,” Garrigan told Alabama Today. “Our focus has always been on alleviating the suffering of the people of Alabama with conditions that are treatable by medical cannabis.” Attorneys for the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) have reached a settlement with plaintiffs that would allow the AMCC to begin hearing presentations from applicants starting Monday. Two major sticking points were addressed in the recent closed-door negotiations between all the attorneys. The first issue was the ten-megabyte limit on marijuana application size. The AMCC provided flexibility to help applicants work around the limit – but that information was not distributed, so some applicants submitted applications that were far smaller than what they would have preferred – or did not apply at all because they could not figure out how to downsize their application to ten megabytes without leaving out vital information. In the agreement, there is no limit on the application sizes. The second is the scoring. Independent application evaluators hired by the University of South Alabama graded the applications, assigning them a numerical score and ranking them from first to worst based on the scoring. Those highest-scoring applicants received the awards in the first round of license awards. Failed applicants criticized the accuracy of those scores. The Commissioners, in the agreement, have been ordered not to consider those scores when they consider the applications when they vote on who gets the awards. In exchange for agreeing to those two final points, the lawsuits will be dismissed, and the Commission can move forward with the application presentations. The previous two rounds of applicant awards have all been vacated by the AMCC. Assuming that all goes well with the first part of the meeting, the Commission ratifies the agreement, and no new restraining order is in place, the Commission will then hear presentations from applicants for licenses to cultivate, process, transport, dispense, and operate as the official cannabis laboratory that week. On Monday, the Commission is expected to hear presentations from cultivator and state testing laboratory applicants. On Tuesday, the Commission will hear presentations from the secure transporter and processor applicants. On Wednesday, the Commission will listen to presentations from the dispensary Applicants. According to our current understanding of the process, the Commission will meet on December 1 to make those awards. Next week, the Commission will meet to consider applications from the thirty applicants vying for the integrated facility license. The integrator license allows a business entity to grow, process, transport, and dispense medical cannabis. The Commission can give a maximum of five integrated licenses – thirty applications for vertically integrated licenses were turned in. The Commission will meet on December 12 to award licenses to the integrators. Each applicant will be given about 45 minutes to present to the Commission, and the presentation can include videos. Licenses, if all goes well, could be issued before Christmas. “We wish luck to all of the applicants and look forward to working with the new licensees,” Garrigan said. AMCC Executive Director John McMillan has said that he hopes that Alabamians will be able to purchase Alabama-grown medical cannabis products as early as March. “Our first priority needs to be serving those Alabamians diagnosed with a legitimate medical need,” Garrigan said. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama to buy more Israeli bonds
On Friday, Governor Kay Ivey and State Treasurer Young Boozer announced the Alabama Treasurer’s Office plans to increase its investments in Israeli treasury bonds to support Israel. “Alabama unapologetically and unequivocally stands with our friend and ally Israel,” said Governor Ivey. “I am proud our state will increase our investment in Israeli bonds as they rightfully defend themselves and fight for their people. The state of Alabama was the first state to recognize Israel as a nation, and we will always support them as one of our closest and strongest allies.” The Israeli government will be issuing new bonds to help fund its war against Hamas and Hezbollah. Ivey and Boozer announced that Alabama has been placed at the forefront of the list of institutional buyers. As soon as these bonds are accessible, the State Treasurer’s Office is committed to increasing its holdings in Israeli bonds. “We believe in Israel’s ability to weather storms and emerge stronger, just as it has in the past,” said Treasurer Boozer. “Investing in Israel Bonds is a testament to our longstanding belief in Israel’s resilience and the value it brings to the global economy.” Boozer said that despite any challenges or crises, Israel has always demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation. Alabama’s goal in investing in Israeli bond holdings is to support Israel’s ongoing efforts, economy, and future growth, especially in this time of war. The State Treasurer’s Office has invested in Israel bonds since 2016, during Boozer’s previous tenure as State Treasurer. Boozer was Treasurer from 2011 to 2019, then Alabama’s term limit law prevented him from serving a third consecutive term. John McMillan was elected Treasurer in 2018 but resigned from the position in 2021 to be the Director of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. Gov. Ivey then appointed Boozer to finish McMillan’s term as Treasurer. He was then elected in his own right in 2022. On October 7, Hamas forces invaded Israel by air, land, and sea from the Gaza Strip, inflicting tremendous loss of life on the Israeli people and leading the Israeli government to declare war on Hamas. Israeli forces are expected to enter Gaza in force in the coming days. Alabama’s leaders, including Ivey, have since declared their anger at the attacks and their continued support for the Israeli state. Gaza is a 140-square-mile area that used to be attached to Egypt. The Israelis took it during the 1967 war with the Arabs in Israel. It was an occupied territory by the Israelis from then to 2005. The Israelis withdrew their soldiers and settlements in 2005 in a failed land-for-peace deal. In 2007, the terrorist group Hamas overthrew the Palestinian Authority there, declaring their commitment to the destruction of the Jewish state – resulting in the current situation. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Cannabis licenses might be issued in coming weeks
There is currently a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) issuing medical cannabis licenses. However, that could change in the coming days for some license categories. On Wednesday, Montgomery Circuit Judge James Anderson heard arguments from attorneys for both the AMCC and the plaintiffs suing the Commission over cannabis license awards made in August. The state is issuing six categories of medical marijuana licenses: grower or cultivator (the term is used synonymously by parties involved), processor, transporter, laboratory, dispensary, and integrated facility. An integrator can grow, process, transport, and dispense cannabis. Applicants who were denied permits for processor, dispensary, and integrator have all filed suit against the AMCC, arguing, for various reasons, that their application was wrongfully denied and the Commission violated the state open meetings law in its August awards meeting. Those lawsuits have all been consolidated into one case challenging those award results. Anderson placed a temporary restraining order on the AMCC issuing any licenses in August and a stay on further AMCC action while the court considers the plaintiffs’ arguments. Under the AMCC’s current proposal before the court, the Commission will rescind the license awards for integrator, dispensary, and processor at its October 26 meeting. Meanwhile, the Commission would be free to issue the August awards for growers, transporters, and laboratories. Alabama Today asked AMCC Executive Director John McMillan if there was a possibility that some of those growers could build their facility, plant their marijuana crop, harvest that first crop, and then have nowhere to legally process it and no market for it to sell it as a grower’s license does not allow the grower to sell it to the public. “Hypothetically,” McMillan answered. Alabama Always, the original plaintiff in this case, was denied an integrator permit in the June and August awards meetings. Their attorney argued that the most important criteria for the award should have been how fast the applicant could get up and running with their first crop. Alabama Always began building a $7 million building a year ago, before the applications were even turned in. “I know since that some people have said that nobody told Alabama Always to build a structure, but they did,” the attorney stated. “In the fall of 2022, my client already began construction.” Alabama Always claims they began construction early to meet the AMCC requirement that an applicant must be able to start operating within 60 days of being issued a license. “They don’t give you a single point (in the scoring) for being able to commence growing within 60 days,” the plaintiffs’ attorney argued. “Some of these plaintiffs’ attorneys don’t know what they’re talking about,” McMillan told Alabama Today. “Getting started within 60 days is not that difficult. You could start a crop in here,” referring to the courtroom, by bringing in grow lights, irrigation, drainage, growing medium, and other greenhouse materials. McMillan said if the court allows, the Commission could issue the grower, transporter, and laboratory licenses as early as November. McMillan cautioned, “The Commission could do whatever it wants to do.” On the advice of counsel, McMillan said he expects the Commission to rescind the awards for integrator, processor, and dispensary at its October 26 meeting. Judge Anderson gave the applicants who were denied the grower, transporter, or laboratory licenses until October 26 to file a motion asking to extend the TRO on those three licenses beyond that date. Anderson said, “If they want to file something before the 26th, we will deal with it. “ The most desired license is the integrated facility license, but the statute limits the number to a maximum of five licenses statewide. Approximately thirty business entities applied for that license, and it seems like most of the two dozen that were denied have hired an attorney and joined the consolidated case. Attorney Bill Espy announced that he had a client joining the case on Wednesday. Anderson said the problem is the legislature did not allow enough licenses in the original statute. “The legislature could fix this,” Anderson said. “They don’t want us legislating from the bench.” The statute allowed the AMCC to award as many as twelve grower licenses. Only twelve applied, and of those, only seven were granted licenses. Alabama Today spoke with Antoine Mordican at Native Black Cultivation, who was denied a grower permit. Mordican said that, at this time, he is not interested in filing litigation. Mordican said that he is working to address the issues in his application that the AMCC said were deficient and that he hopes to be awarded a license when the AMC makes a second round of grower awards. “They are not following the statute,” Mordican, who is Black, said. “The statute requires that 25% of the licenses be awarded to minorities. Of the seven, only one is minority owned.” One of the roughly 20 plaintiffs’ attorneys objected to the growers being issued licenses, arguing that it was unfair to the five integrators because they could potentially lose market share. Several plaintiffs’ attorneys asked the court to bar the Commission from considering the scoring prepared by the University of South Alabama when considering the applications for integrator, processor, and dispensary. “We have been waiting for four months to do something about the scores,” said the attorney for Alabama Always. “The grading of the scores is inconsistent with the statute. If they are allowed to consider the scores, we are going to be back here again. You can avoid that.” “Unless the use of the scores is prohibited, we think that there will be a lot of tendency on the part of the commissioners to rely on the scores,” he added. Michael Jackson is an attorney for the AMCC. “They are not going to be happy with the scores unless they get an award,” Jackson said. “The Commission has absolute discretion on what they consider.” “If there is a problem with the scoring, it doesn’t matter,” Jackson continued. “If the scoring is wrong, it doesn’t matter. If the scoring is bad, it doesn’t matter.” “They are not articulating
Alabama medical marijuana licenses put on temporary hold again
A judge said Thursday he will temporarily block Alabama from issuing licenses to grow and distribute medical marijuana as he reviews an allegation that the state commission illegally deliberated in secret before selecting winners. Montgomery Circuit Judge James Anderson said he will issue a temporary restraining order to block the issuance of the licenses for 10 days while he hears the complaint. He scheduled a hearing for later this month. The development is the latest legal skirmish in the battle over who will get the potentially lucrative licenses to grow and distribute cannabis for the state’s developing medical marijuana program. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission last week nominated and approved companies for the licenses. The public vote came after commissioners met behind closed doors for several hours. Alabama Always, a company that was not among the winners, said the commission violated the Open Meetings Act, which requires deliberations to be done in public. Attorneys for the commission argued commissioners acted properly. They said commissioners met in private to receive information about the name and character of license applicants — an allowed reason under the Open Meetings Act — but did not deliberate behind closed doors. It is the second time the licenses have been delayed because of a dispute over the process used to select winners. William Webster, attorney for the commission, in a moment of frustration, suggested that board members won’t retreat behind closed doors if they have to redo the vote. “We will put forth everyone’s dirty laundry, and everyone will hear about it,” Webster told the judge. John McMillan, director of the commission, said they had hoped to issue the licenses to selected winners later this month, but that will be postponed. Anderson cautioned during Thursday’s hearing that he did not want the court case to drag out for a long time. “My concern is to move this along,” Anderson said. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Alabama Cannabis Industry Association releases more details about Inaugural Alabama Medical Cannabis Conference
The Alabama Cannabis Industry Association (ACIA) announced on Thursday that the inaugural Alabama Medical Cannabis Conference is scheduled for October 13th and 14th, 2023, at the Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham. This groundbreaking event will be the first major cannabis-industry focused conference in the history of the state of Alabama. The conference promises to bring together medical cannabis professionals, experts, and enthusiasts from across the nation to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in the rapidly evolving medical cannabis industry. Alabama is the newest state in the country to make medical cannabis legal, and the ACUA hopes that the conference will be a platform for education, collaboration, and progress. Chey Garrigan is the Chief Executive Director of the ACIA. “ACIA is honored to host the inaugural Alabama Medical Cannabis Conference, making history as the state’s first major cannabis-focused event,” said Director Garrigan. “We are proud to be at the forefront of a new era in Alabama’s cannabis landscape and believe this conference will pave the way for advancements in medical cannabis and patient care.” The conference will feature distinguished speakers, including John McMillan, the Executive Director of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC). These industry pioneers will share their expertise and insights on the latest developments in the medical cannabis field. The conference will feature thought-provoking panel discussions, presentations by renowned industry experts, and informative workshops and educational sessions covering various aspects of medical cannabis. Garrigan said that the conference will be an event that provides networking opportunities with key decision-makers, industry professionals, and thought leaders. It will begin with an exclusive opening night mixer connecting newly awarded license holders with investors, entrepreneurs, and policy leaders in the medical cannabis sector. “Our state’s first major cannabis-focused conference is a pivotal moment for Alabama’s medical cannabis community,” added Garrigan. “We have carefully curated a diverse lineup of speakers and engaging sessions to address critical topics and drive positive change within the industry.” Tickets for the Alabama Medical Cannabis Conference are available for purchase on the conference website. Attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early to take advantage of special early bird pricing. There are still sponsorship opportunities available. The conference had been planned for July but was moved to October after the AMCC, which regulates medical marijuana in Alabama, suspended the awarding of cannabis licenses pending a review of the scoring of the applications. The state passed legislation to legalize medical marijuana for people with a demonstrated need in 2021. It likely will be sometime in 2024 before patients with a doctor’s recommendation can legally purchase Alabama-grown medical cannabis products. No smokable products will be allowed. The Alabama Cannabis Industry Association (ACIA) describes itself as the voice of Alabama’s cannabis industry, representing a diverse group of professionals from various sectors of the industry. ACIA is dedicated to promoting the responsible growth of the cannabis industry in Alabama, advocating for patient access, and supporting research and innovation. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama medical cannabis licenses are now on hold pending review
Last Friday, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) voted to stay all proceedings related to the current offering of medical cannabis business licenses. This decision was made just four days after announcing that the Commission had voted to accept the applications from 21 entities to be licensed marijuana growers, processors, transporters, laboratories, and integrated facilities. The Commission said in Friday’s statement that the stay was issued because of AMCC’s discovery of potential inconsistencies in the tabulation of scoring data. During this pause in proceedings, the Commission will seek an independent review of all scoring data. “The Commission will work expeditiously to investigate and identify inconsistencies in the score data,” explained AMCC Director John McMillan. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are suspending all current procedural timelines until those matters are resolved.” Because the program has been suspended pending the independent review, applicants awarded a license on June 12, 2023, are not required to pay the license fee by June 26, 2023. The dozens of applicants who were denied an award of license on June 12, 2023, are not required to submit a request for an investigative hearing by June 26, 2023, as a review is already underway. All of this means that the licenses awarded on June 12, 2023, will not be issued on July 10, 2023, after all. Alabamians who had been hoping to be able to legally buy Alabama-grown medical cannabis by the end of 2023 are going to have to move that back considerably. The AMCC said that the stay will remain in effect until lifted by the Commission. Once the stay is lifted, the Commission will reconsider the award of licenses and provide a timeline for the payment of license fees, request for investigative hearings, and issuance of licenses. The University of South Alabama assisted the AMCC with scoring the applications. Alabama Today had been made aware of civil litigation that was likely coming over the award of the applications, with potential plaintiffs citing some of the perceived inconsistencies in the awards. Friday’s action by the Commission appears to be a proactive step by the Commissioners to get ahead of the courts on this. The Alabama Legislature passed, and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed, legislation in 2021, creating the AMCC. The AMCC was tasked with writing the rules for creating an Alabama medical cannabis industry and determining the criteria for businesses and farmers to be licensed to be involved in the industry. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama cannabis license awards announced
On Monday, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) met and voted to award the state of Alabama’s first-ever medical cannabis business licenses. Of the 90 applications accepted by the Commission at their meeting on April 13, just 21 were awarded licenses by the AMCC. The 2021 legislation legalizing medical cannabis in Alabama created the AMCC. It tasked the Commission with regulating the industry and awarding the permits to the integrated facilities, cultivators, secure transporters, processors, and diagnostic labs that the state will allow to participate in this industry. The medical cannabis business licenses were awarded to the following applicants. There were five integrated facility licenses awarded. These went to Flowerwood Medical Cannabis, LLC; Southeast Cannabis Company, LLC; Sustainable Alabama, LLC; TheraTrue Alabama, LLC; and Verano Alabama, LLC. Only four cultivator licenses were awarded. These went to Blackberry Farms, LLC.; Gulf Shore Remedies, LLC; Pure by Sirmon Farms, LLC; and Twisted Herb Cultivation, LLC. Four processor licenses were awarded. These went to 1819 Labs, LLC; Enchanted Green, LLC; Jasper Development Group Inc.; and Organic Harvest Lab, LLC. Four dispensary licenses were awarded. These went to CCS of Alabama, LLC; RJK Holdings AL, LLC; Statewide Property Holdings AL, LLC; and Yellowhammer Medical Dispensaries, LLC. Three secure transport licenses were awarded. These went to Alabama Secure Transport, LLC; International Communication, LLC; and Tyler Van Lines, LLC. Certus Laboratories was awarded the license to be the state’s only licensed state testing laboratory. The Legislature authorized the Commission to award up to twelve cultivator licenses, four processor licenses, four dispensary licenses, five integrated facility licenses, and an unspecified number of secure transport and state testing laboratory licenses. The Commission elected to award fewer licenses, particularly the cultivator licenses than they were allowed to by the legislation. “There was no shortage of qualified individuals and entities who provided applications for us to consider,” explained Commission Chairman Dr. Steven Stokes. “Based on the evaluators’ assessments and the Commission’s considerations, we believe that we have selected an outstanding slate of inaugural licensees to represent Alabama’s new medical cannabis industry.” At first glance, it seems like four licensed processors depending on supply from just four licensed cultivators might be problematic for processors concerned about supply. Vice Chairman Rex Vaughn, however, announced at the meeting that the Commission intends to open a second offering of licenses for cultivators, secure transporters, and state testing laboratories. “The Commission looks forward to affording more opportunities for individuals to participate in the industry,” explained Vice Chairman Vaughn. “These businesses will not only serve the patients of Alabama but provide business and job opportunities for local communities.” The University of South Alabama (USA) was engaged by AMCC to coordinate the application review process and recruit evaluators to assess the scored exhibit items for all 90 applicants. USA utilized 66 evaluators with experience relevant to the application content to review one of eight scoring categories: (1) Financial Ability; (2) Business/Management Approach; (3) Operations Plans & Procedures; (4) Facility Suitability & Infrastructure; (5) Security Plan; (6) Personnel; (7) Quality Control & Testing; or (8) Marketing & Advertising. Each scored exhibit was independently reviewed by two evaluators to assess the applicant’s solvency, stability, suitability, capability, projected efficiency, and experience, both in relation to any baseline set by the Commission, as well as in comparison with other applicants. “The Commission has worked diligently since the passage of the Darren Wesley “Ato” Hall Act to develop regulations and policies to facilitate an effective and safe medical cannabis industry,” explained Commission Director John McMillan. “We are excited to begin working with those applicants who were awarded licenses to meet the needs of so many Alabamians who are living with debilitating conditions that can benefit from medical cannabis.” The applicants awarded a license now have 14 days to pay the AMCC the appropriate license fee to the Commission. At its meeting on July 10, 2023, the Commission is scheduled to formally issue the licenses in each license category. There remains a possibility that those final license awards could be further delayed if one or more of the 69 applicants the AMCC rejected appeal the decision to the courts. Litigation, in theory, could delay this process for weeks or even months. In order for a doctor to be qualified to make a medical cannabis recommendation, they must become certified. Under the rules promulgated by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, physicians may begin the certification process to recommend medical cannabis after the business licenses have been issued. In order for a patient to be able to purchase Alabama medical cannabis products, they must have at least one of the qualifying conditions and then receive a recommendation for medical cannabis from a certified physician. Medical cannabis products that may be recommended to patients include tablets, capsules, tinctures, gelatinous cubes, gels, oils or creams for topical use, suppositories, transdermal patches, nebulizers, or liquids or oils for use in an inhaler. Raw plant materials and any smokable or vaped products will not be allowed and will remain illegal to possess, even for those with an Alabama Medical Cannabis card. People with a legitimate medical need for cannabis should be able to purchase products in Alabama by the end of this year. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Black entrepreneur is one of 90 applicants formally being considered for Alabama’s medical cannabis licenses
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission voted on Thursday to formally consider 90 applications submitted – this is down from the more than 600 requests for applications received in October. The properly filed, amended, and corrected applications will proceed to the review, evaluation, and scoring process. “We are excited to be one step closer to program implementation,” explained Commission Director John McMillan. “Now that we have our official slate of applicants, the sixty-day window to review applications has started.” One of those applications was from Native Black Cultivation LLC, a black-owned medical cannabis cultivation company. The company issued a statement expressing pride for receiving this consideration from the Commission. “This is a significant milestone for our company, and we are thrilled about the potential to bring our unique cannabis products to the people of Alabama,” the company said in a statement. “We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential in the cannabis industry, and we are proud to be a black-owned business that is paving the way for others to follow. Our team is committed to using our expertise and experience to provide safe, effective, and high-quality cannabis products to the people of Alabama.” The company is asking the public to voice their support for their application. “We would like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to participate in the 30-day public comment window,” Native Black Cultivation LLC continued. “Your comments and feedback are crucial in helping the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission make an informed decision regarding our licensing application. At Native Black Cultivation, we are passionate about creating a better future for ourselves and our community. We believe that cannabis can be a powerful tool for promoting health and wellness, and we are dedicated to making it accessible to all. We are proud of our unique approach to cannabis cultivation and look forward to bringing our products to the people of Alabama. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to serving our community with safe and effective medical cannabis.” Native Black Cultivation was founded by Antoine Mordican – an engineer. Mordican presently runs a hemp-growing operation in Bessemer. The application for medical cannabis business licenses closed on December 30, 2022. Timely filed applications were reviewed by AMCC for deficiencies, and applicants were given notice of any deficient items in their applications. Applicants were required to file a proposed corrected application or request more time for filing such an application by March 3, 2023. Additionally, applicants could file a petition to amend items in their application. Applicants who were granted an extension of time to propose deficiency corrections, and those filing a proposed amended application were required to file their corrected and/or amended applications by March 24, 2023. The Commission will consider 12 applications for marijuana cultivator licenses, 11 applications to be processors, 18 applications for marijuana dispensaries, nine for secure transporter licenses, two state testing laboratory applications, and 38 integrated facility applications. Applicants were not allowed to hedge their bets by applying for multiple application types. The Commission may award up to 12 cultivator licenses, 4 processor licenses, 4 dispensary licenses, 5 integrated facility licenses, and an unspecified number of secure transport and state testing laboratory licenses. Chey Garrigan is the President and Founder of the Alabama Cannabis Industry Association. “We are very proud of Antoine and are thankful for his knowledge and leadership,” Garrigan said. “We value his friendship and look forward to working with him and the other applicants as we move forward in this process.” The Commission will accept public comments until May 14, 2023. Alabama could have legal medical marijuana available by late this year. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission moves forward with reviewing applications
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) met on Thursday to review applications from business owners looking to join the new Alabama cannabis industry. The deadline to submit an application to the Commission was December 30. While 607 groups and individuals requested application forms, only 94 turned in a completed application to the AMCC by the deadline. The AMCC met and announced that they are reviewing the applications for potential deficiencies. Chey Garrigan is the President and founder of the Alabama Cannabis Industry Association. Garrigan told Alabama Today that the state had expected more applications than it actually received. “The numbers speak for themselves. Alabama was underestimated by its residents and disregarded by industry leaders,” Garrigan said. Garrigan cited the difficulty of filling out the forms, the high capital requirements, the limitations on out-of-state ownership, the lack of smokable products, and questions about the process as to why most of the potential applicants ultimately opted not to apply. “607 is a low number of interest when compared to other states with a limited license program,” Garrigan said. The Alabama Legislature passed, and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation (SB46) legalizing medical cannabis in the 2021 Alabama Regular Commission. Only applicants who submitted a Request for Business Application by that October 17 deadline were eligible to turn in a completed Business Application Form by the December 30 deadline. The Legislature intended for the law to be the most restrictive in the country. “Of the 94 that made the deadline, we are working with 72 percent of those applicants,” Garrigan said. “We have experienced application writers who have won multiple licenses in multiple states. They all said Alabama is the most meticulously comprehensive application they have ever seen. I commend the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission and the staff.” The AMCC wrote the rules for the industry over the summer – releasing the final rules in August. The AMCC began allowing potential business applicants to download the application forms on September 1. Requests for requesting application forms closed on October 17. The 94 applicants will be allowed to submit amendments and corrections to their applications in the coming months. “Along with being the most regulated state in the country, this is the most complicated application anyone in the industry has seen,” Garrigan said. “We still will have time to file amended applications to make any necessary changes. Also, the Commission will review the applications and make requests for applicants to make corrections. The applicants will have time to submit a corrected application.” The number of licenses is strictly limited by the statute. The Commission may award up to twelve cultivator licenses, four processor licenses, four dispensary licenses, five integrated facility licenses, and an unspecified number of secure transport and state testing laboratory licenses. AMCC Director John McMillan told commissioners that those are the maximum number of licenses that they can award. The Commission does not have to award that many applications. The University of South Alabama has been contracted to review all of the applications for the Commission. Only persons who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; cancer-related pain or nausea; Crohn’s Disease; depression; epilepsy or conditions causing seizures; HIV/AIDS-related nausea or weight loss; panic disorder; Parkinson’s Disease; persistent nausea; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); sickle cell anemia; spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury; Tourette’s Syndrome; a terminal illness; or conditions causing chronic or intractable pain will be able to obtain a doctor’s recommendation for medical cannabis. Alabama law does not allow dispensing of raw plant material or smokable products. Medical cannabis products in Alabama will be limited to tablets, capsules, tinctures, gelatinous cubes, gels, oils or creams for topical use, suppositories, transdermal patches, nebulizers, or liquids or oils for use in an inhaler. Patients will have to obtain a state-issued Alabama medical cannabis card. Law enforcement has expressed concern that legalizing medical cannabis will increase the number of impaired persons driving on Alabama roadways. The first legal Alabama medical cannabis will become available later this year. The next meeting of the AMCC is on February 9 at 1:00 pm. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Friday is last day to turn in marijuana license applications
The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) is still accepting applications from Alabama individuals and companies that want to be licensed to participate in the state’s new medical marijuana industry, but the deadline is Friday, December 30. Chey Garrigan, the founder and President of the Alabama Cannabis Industry Association, told Alabama Today that applicants are rushing to finalize plans and obtain sites for potential cannabis locations. “We in the industry are working really hard this week to finalize details in order to get these applications turned in,” Garrigan said. “Time is running out to get the application finished and turned in.” The AMCC began allowing potential business applicants to download the application forms on September 1 and closed those requests for application forms on October 17. The Commission wrote the rules for the new industry in August, following the requirements set in the legislation (SB46) passed in the 2021 Alabama Regular Commission. Only applicants who submitted a Request for Business Application by that October 17 deadline can turn in an application. Those requestors then received a Business Application Form. The deadline to turn in those forms to the Commission is Friday at 4:00. “Since the passage of the Darren Wesley “Ato” Hall Compassion Act last year, the Commission has worked diligently to lay the groundwork for the new medical cannabis industry in Alabama by developing administrative rules and regulations and by obtaining necessary software systems,” said AMCC Director John McMillan in a statement. “We are excited to see the many components of the program come together and provide not only business and career opportunities to Alabamians, but most importantly, we are one step closer to meeting the needs of thousands of residents who suffer from various medical conditions whose symptoms may be alleviated by the proper use of medical cannabis products.” Applicants will be allowed to submit amendments and corrections to their previously filed applications in the coming months. Garrigan said that she is helping members finish their applications. “Along with being the most regulated state in the country, this is the most complicated application anyone in the industry has seen,” Garrigan said. “We still will have time to file amended applications to make any necessary changes. Also, the Commission will review the applications and make requests for applicants to make corrections. The applicants will have time to submit a corrected application.” The number of licenses is strictly limited by the statute passed by the Alabama Legislature. The Commission may award up to twelve cultivator licenses, four processor licenses, four dispensary licenses, five integrated facility licenses, and an unspecified number of secure transport and state testing laboratory licenses. “Throughout the development of the program, the Commission’s focus has been to ensure that future patients receive high-quality, safe, and affordable products. That focus will continue as we begin to evaluate medical cannabis business applicants,” explained Commission Chairman and Oncologist Dr. Steven Stokes. “We hope our efforts will foster a model program where Alabama’s medical cannabis business licensees are providing qualified patients with safe products that they can trust.” The University of South Alabama has been contracted to review all of the applications for the Commission. Under Alabama’s program, only registered certifying physicians will be allowed to recommend medical cannabis to their patients. Those doctors must take mandatory training approved by the AMCC and the Alabama Medical Association. The doctors may only prescribe medical cannabis to patients who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; cancer-related pain or nausea; Crohn’s Disease; depression; epilepsy or conditions causing seizures; HIV/AIDS-related nausea or weight loss; panic disorder; Parkinson’s Disease; persistent nausea; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); sickle cell anemia; spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury; Tourette’s Syndrome; a terminal illness; or conditions causing chronic or intractable pain. Alabama law does not allow dispensing of raw plant material or smokable products. Medical cannabis products that may be recommended to patients are limited to tablets, capsules, tinctures, gelatinous cubes, gels, oils or creams for topical use, suppositories, transdermal patches, nebulizers, or liquids or oils for use in an inhaler. Qualifying patients are expected to be able to obtain a state-issued Alabama medical cannabis card and the first legal Alabama medical cannabis late in 2023. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: The McMillans of Baldwin County
Alabama has a treasured history of famous political families. Many of the legacies are of father and son dynasties. The most prominent being the famous and powerful Bankheads of Jasper, which included a U.S. Senator, John Hollis Bankhead, and sons, Senator John H. Bankhead and Speaker of the U.S. House William Bankhead. There is a long line of fathers and sons who both served in the state senate. We have had one father-son governor legacy. James E. “Big Jim” Folsom was governor in the 1940s and 1950s. His son, Jim Folsom, Jr., was governor in the 1990s. Little Jim was literally born in the Governor’s Mansion during his daddy, Big Jim’s first term as governor, 1946-1950. During this generation, there are two brothers from Baldwin County who have made history. John and Steve McMillan have left a mark on Alabama’s political history. Decades from now, people will look at these twin brothers and say they have contributed a lot to Alabama. Yes, John and Steve are twins, born on July 6, 1941. Steve and John McMillan have deep family roots in Baldwin County. Before Alabama was even a state, their ancestors settled in the Stockton Community near Bay Minette, which is where they call home. Their family is in the timber business. Steve represented his home area in the Alabama House of Representatives for 43 years. The Baldwin County we see today as the fastest growing suburban county in the state was not the same Baldwin County they were born into 81 years ago. It was a large, sparsely populated, agricultural county. As fourth graders, we would read that it was the potato-growing county of the state. John remembers getting out of school for almost a month in the fall to help harvest potatoes when he was in high school. John and Steve’s ancestors were not only the early leaders of Baldwin County but also the state. Their great-grandfather, John Murphy, was Governor of Alabama. John was named for him. John M. McMillan, Sr., John and Steve’s father, was an outstanding civic and church leader and also served 30 years on the Baldwin County school board. Our current John Murphy McMillan graduated from high school in Bay Minette and then went to Rhodes College in Memphis, where he graduated with honors. John was serving as county commissioner when he was elected to the state legislature in 1974. He was reelected in 1978. However, two years later, Governor Fob James chose John to serve in Fob’s cabinet as Alabama’s Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources. It was under his watch that the state created the Alabama Trust Fund, a plan that saved all revenues from leases on offshore oil operations. This fund has grown from the original investment of just over $400 million to a sum approaching $4 billion. In 1985, John McMillan became the Chief Executive Officer of the Alabama Forestry Association. He served as head of that powerful statewide association for 20 years. In 2010, John was elected the 29th State Agriculture Commissioner. He was reelected overwhelmingly in 2014. He served eight successful years from 2011-2019 in this very important statewide office. In 2018, he was elected Alabama State Treasurer. He served successfully in this post through late 2021, when he left to become the head of the newly created Cannabis Commission. Steve McMillan, being John’s twin brother, had pretty much the same childhood as John. They grew up together in Stockton and worked on their uncle’s farm and family sawmill. Steve went on to Auburn University, where he graduated with honors. He came back home and started a real estate business, along with overseeing their family timberland. When John became Conservation Director, Steve was elected to the House seat John vacated. Steve served in that seat for 43 years. Steve was a quiet effective voice for his beloved Baldwin County. He passed away in April. Steve was a very diligent and well-prepared legislator. He was extremely conservative and was always on the side of the business community. He was dignified, but if you got to know him, very witty. He was not flamboyant and would seldom go to the well and speak. Yet, when he did, people listened. He exuded class and epitomized the term gentleman. The McMillan brothers of Baldwin County have made their mark on Alabama political history. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
